Napoli still isn't an official member of the 2013 Red Sox as his contract negotiations with Boston have dragged out over the last two weeks. Napoli and the Sox initially agreed to terms on December 3, but something -- most likely an issue emerging from Napoli's physical -- has stalled an official introduction.

"Nothing to report," general manager Ben Cherington said on Wednesday, when the team introduced pitcher Ryan Dempster. "We're still working on a number of fronts and we're hopeful we can continue to add to the team. Until there's something real to report, I can't comment on it."

Cherington did say that he's "had some more dialogue" with Napoli and his agent Brian Grieper.

"Until it's done it's not done," Cherington said. "I wouldn't classify it as one way or another. We'll have to see what happens. It's something that we're still trying to improve the team and hopefully we can do that."

Cherington did not comment on a report from Sports Illustrated that the team was trying to reduce its offer to Napoli from three years to two years.

Dempster, who played with Napoli for the last two months of last season in Texas, said he'd be an excellent addition.

"Mike's a tremendous teammate," Dempster said. "He brings great energy, and that's just inside the clubhouse, aside from what he can do with his bat and behind the plate or at first base. He was one of the best teammates I've had in the two months I had him in Texas, and hopefully I look forward to getting the chance to play with him here. It'd be awesome."

Twitter: @TBritton_Projo

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